Release Dates for Walt Disney’s 2015 Movie Slate

Get out your favorite box of candy and put on those 3D glasses, it’s time to preview the 2015 lineup of movies from Walt Disney Studios (and related companies). The list of movies set for release next year is fantastic and should be full of hits for the Mouse House.

There’s more from Marvel, we get two films from the animation masters at Pixar, and the first film set in the Star Wars universe since Disney bought Lucasfilm is also scheduled.

The list, in order of expected release is below, along with two known animated shorts for 2015. If I have a preview trailer for it, I’ve included that as well. Mark your calendars now and then let us know which film you’re most looking forward to:

Strange Magic (Animation)

Hard to believe, but Disney just announced it will release a new animated film in January of 2015. “Strange Magic” is a feature length animated film from Lucasfilm. The animated musical is inspired by “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and is being presented as a madcap fairytale adventure. Interestingly, popular songs from the past six decades help tell the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion.

“Strange Magic” will be released by Touchstone Pictures on January 23, 2015.

McFarland, USA (Live Action)

Kevin Costner helps a group of hispanic teens overcome adversity through by forming a cross country team. Set to handle a wide variety of issues from those awkward high school years to broader topics such as immigration and racism. We’ll have to wait and see just how much it differentiates itself from the genre but nonetheless should be a solid feel good film. Run with the team on February 20th 2015

Cinderella (Live Action)

A live action retelling of the Disney Classic. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, I wouldn’t be too surprised if we are in for a more Shakespearean perspective. I also expect to see some twists and turns much like we saw in Maleficent. Starring Lilly James (Cinderella), Helen Bonham Carter (The Fairy Godmother), Hayley Atwell (Cinderellas Mother), Cate Blanchett (Lady Tremaine), and Richard Madden (Prince Charming). This cast is looking amazing with some impressive talent from experienced actors to those that have just recently started to make waves. Expect to see it in theaters on March 13th, 2015.

Monkey Kingdom (Documentary)

Journey to South Asia to see a newborn and its mother survive in the Temple Troop. A group of monkeys that occupy these ancient ruins. Suraj Sharma will narrate your journey to this legendary locale on April 17th, 2015.

Avengers: Age of Ultron (Marvel)

Age of Ultron will see the Avengers thrown into disarray. Our heroes will be facing off against Ultron (James Spader), a robot peacekeeping force at least partially created by Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.). With Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) seemingly starting as villains who flip sides to eventually aid our heroes. Set to change the landscape of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, prepare for an incredible ride of a film. Directed by Joss Whedon (The Avengers) and also starring Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Chris Evans (Captain America), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Cobie Smulders (Maria Hill), Mark Ruffalo (Hulk), and Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury). Coming to theaters next spring on May 1st 2015.

Tomorrowland (Live Action)

Two individuals, Casey Newton (Britt Robertson) and Frank Walker (George Clooney), one a scientifically inclined teen and a former boy genius inventor. Set out to find a place outside of time and space that is filled with scientific wonders. What wonders and dangers await them in Tomorrowland? Directed by Brad Bird (The Incredibles) this film should be an excellent addition alongside Pirates of the Caribbean as a ride inspired movie. Journey tomorrow on May 22nd 2015.

Inside Out (Pixar)

The first of two Pixar films coming in 2015. Inside Out tells the story of Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) whose life is completely turned upside down when her family moves from the Midwest to San Francisco. What’s exciting is the story will be told from the perspective of her emotions. These emotions are Joy (Amy Poehler), Disgust (Mindy Kaling), Fear (Bill Hader), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), and Anger (Lewis Black). With Pete Docter (Up, Monsters Inc.) directing, we can expect another truly unique film from the legendary Pixar Story Trust, coming June 19th, 2015.

Ant-Man (Marvel)

Introducing one of the founding members of the Avengers. Marvel’s Ant-Man will divert from the original comics slightly but honor them nonetheless. When con-man Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is enlisted by his mentor Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) to pull off a heist that might just save the world, Scott will have to don the shrinking suit and be the hero. How exactly will this film fit into the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Only time will tell but with Evangeline Lilly (Hope Van Dyne), Hayley Atwell (Peggy Carter), Michael Peña (Castillo), and Corey Stoll (Darren Cross) we are sure to see an adventure on the “smallest” scale. Crawling into theaters July 17th, 2015.

The Jungle Book (Live Action/CGI)

The next installment in the live action Disney Classics. The Jungle Book tells the story of Mowgli and his adventures growing up in the Jungle. Jon Favreau is directing Disney’s retelling accompanied by an outstanding cast. This includes Scarlett Johansson (Kaa), Bill Murray (Baloo), Idris Elba (Shere Khan), Christopher Walken (King Louie), Ben Kingsley (Bagheera), and Neel Sethi (Mowgli). Using a combination of Live Action and CGI techniques, the classic animated tale will come to life October 9th, 2015.

The Good Dinosaur (Pixar)

The second Pixar film coming in 2015 is The Good Dinosaur. Arlo (Lucas Neff) is a 70-foot tall Apatosaurus who befriends a young human boy Spot (Benjamin Bogas) on his quest to restore his home after a catastrophic event. Joining the cast are Neil Patrick Harris (Arlo’s Brother Cliff), Bill Hader (Arlo’s Brother Forrest), Francis McDormand (Arlo’s Mother), John Lithgow (Arlo’s Father), and Judy Greer (Ivy) with Peter Sohn directing. Travel back in time November 25th, 2015.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (LucasFilm)

A continuation of the original trilogy. Episode VII will pick up 30 years after Episode VI. Beyond this there is little more than rumors circulating Director J.J. Abrams first addition to the Star Wars franchise. We do know that this film will introduce a new core group of heroes alongside the original heroes. This huge cast includes Andy Serkis (Unannounced), Domhall Gleeson (Unannounced), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Gwendoline Christie (Unannounced), Carrie Fisher (Leia), Oscar Isaac (Unannounced), Mark Hamill (Luke), Lupita Nyong’o (Unannounced), Adam Driver (Unannounced), Warwick Davis (Unannounced), Max Von Sidow (Unannounced), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), and Anthony Daniels (C-3PO). Coming to a galaxy near you December 18th, 2015.

Shorts:

Frozen Fever

Elsa and Kristoff are set on making Anna’s birthday celebration one to remember. Unfortunately, it looks like Elsa’s powers may make it memorable for an entirely different reason. Returning are Kristen Bell (Anna), Idina Menzel (Elsa), Josh Gad (Olaf), and Jonathan Groff (Kristoff). Freezing theaters in 2015.

Lava

One little volcano has dream. To find love in this big blue world. Will he find it? We just might have to wait millions of years to find the answer. Erupting June 19th, 2015.